Hongkong (Jan 10): Germany shall for all purposes of the Trading with the Enemy Ordinance cease to be treated as if it were enemy territory, states an Order announced in the Government Gazette.

For the purpose of this Order 'Germany' means territory comprised in the German State on March 1, 1938, the Gazette adds.

Shadow talks

Tokyo (Jan 8): Official sources to-day confirmed Press reports that the Japanese governments plans to start talks shortly with the British Government and the Bank of England for the abolition of Sterling 'shadow accounts' in Japan.

Banking sources said Sterling 'shadow accounts' are Sterling accounts which major foreign banks in Japan are allowed to keep here on behalf of the Japanese Ministry of Finance, supplementary to formal accounts they have in London.

Eagle to fly

Bonn (Jan 5): The German eagle will begin to spread its wings over the world's airways again this year, with the revival of the Lufthansa airline.

It is not yet certain exactly when the Germans will begin flying again.

UK in lead

London (Jan 11): Britain in 1953 is fully determined to maintain her world leadership in air transport by jet-liner.

Her 500 mile-an-hour Comets which opened the first international jet services seven months ago, are now flying an average 100,000 miles a week.

Demand for seats on the jet-liners exceeds the supply. What is more, the jetliners are paying their way.

Fast ships

Tokyo (Jan 12): Japanese shipping companies are concentrating on the construction of faster cargo ships to meet the stepped-up competition on international sea lanes this year.

The response to the Transportation Ministry's invitation this month for shipbuilding applications showed the emphasis was on fast ships ranging from 18 to 22 knots in comparison to the Japanese vessel's pre-war speed of 14 to 16 knots.

Trade pact

Taipei (Jan 11): A new trade arrangement to allow Taiwan native products to be imported to the United States is expected to come into being soon as a result of negotiations between the United States and the Chinese Nationalist authorities.

25 years ago...

Panic buying in Zambia

Lusaka (Jan 9): Panic buying of essential food is sweeping Zambia in the wake of President Kenneth Kuanda's announcement that Government subsidies are to be scrapped.

Shopowners have begun hoarding sugar, soap, cooking oil, maize meal and soft drinks hoping to make quick profits after the Zambian Budget on January 27, which is expected to announce the subsidy cuts.

$1m printout

Hongkong (Jan 12): Computers cost the Government about $1 million a week, the Chief Secretary Sir Denys Roberts confirmed in the Legaslative Council yesterday.

He was replying to Unofficial member, Mr Lo Tak-shing, who asked if an estimate by another Unofficial, Mr S.L. Chen, was correct.

Sir Denys said all proposals for computerisation have to be approved by the Computer Applications Committee.

Mr Chen then asked if Sir Denys considers the members of the committee have the necessary expertise.

The Chief Secretary replied:

'This is a subject which is far too dangerous to leave to professionals.'